Librarian Philosopher

Mary Burkey (Audiobooker) led the panel discussion “Exploring the Audio/Ebook Experience”. Again, from the SLJ break-out session wiki scroll down until you reach the “Can you Hear Me Now” section.

This was a very good panel discussion. Many new tools were introduced and there was a constant stimulating pull between the downloadable ebook/audio book vs. the one piece Playaway. Of course the answer is that I want them all.

We need to understand all the various extensions before we decide on the hardware to buy so that we buy hardware that can download the extensions of the ebooks we may purchase. Overdrive is now adding iPod extension capability. The Sony Reader can download almost anything.

Sony reader – compare to Kindle, every book becomes a large print book, can download podcasts, and pdf, mp3, and audio, can add memory card (2g), epub, public domain, not wireless connection.

Playaways – unlimited bookmarks.

Overdrive – download e-books.

How used in classrooms:

Sony Reader – not sure, Public Lib. Circulate off site, can circulate on site, for specific class to read classics, family reading program reading together.

Playaways – can’t keep them on the shelves, ELL readers, paired with print, can control speed of speech, add speakers for read-aloud, PE for students who can’t exercise, kind of cool, hang from hooks.

Overdrive – Public Libraries, download study guides, circulate by consortium, classics, school download–Library never closes, multiple formats, consume any way they want audio and reader, e-book and audio book, partnership Gear to go – 2G mp3 players less than $40, require each student to have a Public Library Card on file so any time they needed a book they could download from Public Library, also have parent night on how to use download from Public Library.

Sony Reader vs. Kindle – cosmetics, ease of use, hold side by side, Kindle has wireless connection, Kindle end use agreement says cannot use in Library,

Playaway – new program called replay were titles are traded out onto existing hardware.

I think these audio/ebooks are called black/white/gray not multimedia.

Playaway – 2500, 700 YA and children’s, next year 100’s per month added, 80% fiction 20% non-fiction.

Overdrive – e-books pdf all that they have in print, audio – very select non-fiction, 85% fiction to 15% non-fiction. Radio programs.

Since “US News and World Report” is going non-paper we need to consider digital alternatives. The audio/ebook may be one solution.

At

School Library Journal Leadership Summit, 2008

Remixing Library Collections for Digital Youth

November 14-15, 2008

The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa

Hollywood, Florida